The POV sport camera companies have been on a roll lately, with the GoPro HERO3 series, the Drift Innovations HD Ghost and the Contour+2 and ROAM 2. Now Replay XD stakes their claim with the new XD720. The XD720 is a simple plain jane video camera that just does the 720p resolution at 30fps and 60fps (frames per second). I tested the big brother of this camera the XD1080, and this one shares many of the same features, but loses weight (2 oz vs 3 oz) and costs a more reasonable $199. It’s a small, light and compact video camera, which is easy to use and has a simple interface for video resolution changes. It has an excellent usage and form factor, combining two sharp tactile buttons (power and record) with distinctive vibrating mode changes, and a tiny cylindrical camera body. The rugged and water resistant camera records in a 720p with a 120 degree field of view, and has a two-hour battery. The XD720 replaces their standard definition XD480 camera. I personally only shoot 720p at 60fps with almost all of my POV cameras, as its an easy resolution to edit and work in, and is more compatible with most internet sites.

The XD720 comes to punches with the competition cheaper models, including the GoPro HERO3 White Edition, the Contour ROAM 2 and Drift Innovations Drift HD and Drift HD720. The XD720 is smaller and lighter than any of the other POVs, has an excellent form factor like the Contour, but lacks the HERO3 smartphone interface, or the HERO3 and Drift remote compatibility. The size, simplicity and usage and form factor of the XD720 are its highlights, making it very easy to use, without any need for optional accessories that the competition sometimes requires (excluding the Drifts included remote).

Press Release

Replay XD®720: The Smallest Easiest Way To Replay ItAction Sports Video Powerhouse Replay XD® Unveils New XD720 HD:
The most value-packed High Def Video camera on the market.

Smallest, lightest HD Camera on the market – about the size of a tube of lip balm, small enough to mount to your sunglasses.

Newbury Park, Calif. (November, 2012) – Capturing action-packed, crystal-clear HD Video is now easier and more affordable than ever, thanks to the new Replay XD720. Less than a year after launching the world’s smallest and lightest HD Action Sports Camera, the XD1080, the engineers at RePlay XD® have created a new, smaller, lighter camera packed with features and an easy-to-use consumer-friendly interface – all at a price that provides tremendous value.

The XD720 captures color rich 720P HD at 30/60 frames per second for high-speed action. The system packs a crystal clear non-fisheye, non-distorted 120 degree field of view lens and 5-megapixel image sensor. The sleek two ounce camera is about the size of a tube of lip balm and features a water-resistant, rugged aluminum housing that can withstand everything from extreme sports to hardcore motorsports and is packed with pro-level audio, external audio line-in and is compatible with virtually all the RePlay XD Pro level mounts and accessories.

In addition to the camera’s best-in-class onboard mic, the Replay XD720 also has a secondary audio input that allows users to feed audio from their own source such as race radios, LAV mics iPods and more. Filmmakers can mic their subjects for crystal clear audio in every scenario. The camera records up to 130 minutes of video on a single charge of its internal Li-Ion battery. It includes a 4GB micro SD card and supports up to 32GB cards. The system remembers and holds settings, even when the battery runs down. and a “Quick-Clip” function allows editing in the field.

The Replay XD720 is incredibly easy to use, setting a new standard for POV Camera controls. Simply flip a switch on the back to select frame rate and audio input options, and then replace the cap – it’s that easy. The Power and Record buttons require one simple touch, with specific vibration feedback and indicator lights for each command.

“The XD720 has simple controls and a compact design perfect for everyone from first-time shooters to athletes that need a compact, lightweight way to capture the action,” says RePlay XD President John Spar. “This camera includes the pro-level optics and audio packed similar to that in our XD1080 model, but in a smaller package at an incredible price. It’s in a class of its own.”

About Replay XD
Replay XD was designed by a group of racing professionals with over 50 years of experience in the high performance racing industry. The development team saw the need for ultra-lightweight cameras that could capture never before seen video footage from the most extreme racing and action environments on earth. The Replay XD1080 has been put through the most grueling conditions possible and has come out unscathed with crystal clear footage. Replay XD’s goal is to bring you the most technologically advanced recording systems available today. www.replayxd.com (805) 480-9800.

Brian likes to push the limits in all the sports he obsesses in, whether it's mountain biking, whitewater kayaking, skiing, or sport climbing. He takes those same strengths and a good dose of insanity to his reviewing and writing on mountain biking products, creating technical, in-depth articles. Whenever he's not on the bike, he might be found watching MotoGP racing, otherwise look for him out on the trail.